9 Fun Things To Do In Murudeshwar For A Memorable Holiday

Murudeshwar is one of Karnataka's most dramatic coastal towns with a massive statue of Lord Shiva looking down upon the Arabian Sea. It's in the Uttara Kannada district and is a destination for pilgrims, beachgoers and people seeking a less hectic alternative to some of the more popular tourist spots in Karnataka. It's not just the temple that draws the crowds though, there's a whole range of other things to see and do from diving trips to the various coastal viewpoints and historic sites.

From the underwater world around Netrani Island to the ancient ruins of Mirjan Fort there's loads to see in and around Murudeshwar. Some of the attractions are just a short walk from the main temple and others are very much worth a day trip. Here are nine things to do in Murudeshwar for a proper coastal break.

1. Witness The Majestic Statue Of Lord Shiva

There's no trip to Murudeshwar that isn't completed by visiting the massive statue of Lord Shiva which looks out over the Arabian Sea. It's around 123 feet tall and one of the largest Shiva statues in the world. It's on Kanduka Hill, next to the Murudeshwar temple and on three sides it's flanked by the sea. It's one of the most iconic landmarks in Karnataka.

The temple complex also has a 20 storey Raja Gopuram which you can get to via lift for some great views of the coastline. There's a Bhukailasa Cave Museum beneath the Shiva statue with a collection of sculptures illustrating the story of Ravana, the story of Lord Ganesha and the Atma-Linga. You can of course also go for darshan and seek blessings at the temple (which is generally open from 6am to 8.30pm with a break in darshan at midday).

2. Go Scuba Diving At Netrani Island

If you're after an adventure then Netrani Island should be near the top of your list. It's situated about 19 kms off the coast of Murudeshwar and is one of the more popular scuba diving spots in Karnataka. Also known as Pigeon Island, it's an island of considerable beauty with waters around it that are home to coral and a range of marine life including butterfly fish, trigger fish, parrot fish, moray eels and sea cucumbers.

Both novice and experienced divers can explore the underwater world through guided scuba diving and snorkelling. Diving packages start at around R 3,500- 4-person (prices vary from operator to operator). The best time to go is November to May (subject to sea conditions). Netrani being a restricted naval area you can't actually land on the island and the diving is all done from the boat.

3. Explore The Historic Mirjan Fort

History buffs might want to consider a day trip to Mirjan Fort (near Kumta, north of Murudeshwar). It's a fort of some significance in terms of the region's medieval trading history and is linked to Queen Chennabhairadevi (the Pepper Queen). The fort has the classic laterite stone walls, bastions and gateways of a coastal Karnataka fort.

As you walk through the fort you'll find a number of interconnecting passages, open courtyards and buildings all set amongst the greenery. It's very atmospheric after the monsoon when the vegetation has taken over large sections of the old walls. Mirjan is outside Murudeshwar so you'll need to allow plenty of time for the road journey and the sightseeing.

4. Discover The Sculptures At Statue Park

The massive Shiva statue is by no means the only thing of interest in the Murudeshwar Temple complex. There's a whole Statue Park around the temple which has a number of sculptures based on Hindu mythology. It's a good spot for those who like religious art and the stories behind it.

One of the more striking installations is Lord Krishna delivering the Gita to Arjuna on the chariot. There are also a number of sculptures relating to Ravana and the Atma-Linga. Take your time around the grounds, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the coast is in glorious light.

5. Enjoy Water Sports At Murudeshwar Beach

Right next to the temple complex is Murudeshwar Beach which provides some stunning views of the Arabian Sea and the massive Shiva statue. It's a great place to just take a quiet walk in the morning or to simply enjoy the beach and sea. Its location right next to the temple makes it a very convenient spot for those who are short on time.

Thrill seekers can go jet skiing, speedboating and banana boat riding (where the operators are running them). That of course is subject to weather, sea conditions and safety restrictions. Don't go into the rough water, follow the lifeguard's instructions and make sure the operator you're using has the right safety gear. You might not be the slightest bit interested in any of the water sports but there's no doubt that watching the sunset from the beach is well worth doing.

6. Go Trekking At Yana

For a bit of a change of scene, head off to Yana in the Western Ghats (about 60km from Murudeshwar). It's a forest destination and one of the most famous for its striking black rock formations, in particular the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and the Mohini Shikhara, which rise dramatically above the greenery. It's one of the most distinctive rock formations in the region.

Getting to the rocks is via the forest trails. It's very much geared towards nature lovers and the relaxed trekker. There's quite a bit of vegetation and the path is very rocky. October through to February is generally a comfortable time to be there, the monsoon makes it quite slippery. Wear good walking boots and take plenty of drinking water with you.

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7. Visit The Scenic Apsarakonda Falls

Apsarakonda Falls (near Honnavar) is another lovely thing to see on your Murudeshwar trip. It's a lovely green setting, a great place to cool off from the coastal heat. There's a local legend associated with the name Apsarakonda which speaks of the heavenly beings bathing in the water.

The area is very much a nature setting with plenty of views and is ideal for a relaxed walk. The waterfalls are particularly good during and just after the monsoon when the stream is at its strongest. Swimming under waterfalls is not recommended at all due to the rocks being slippery, the current being unpredictable and the depth of the water being unknown. Best to just enjoy the view from the safer, accessible areas.

8. Shop For Souvenirs At Murudeshwar Market

Shopping isn't really something you'd think of when you're in Murudeshwar, but there are loads of shops around the temple where you can pick up all sorts of souvenirs. There are plenty of little shops and local vendors selling religious idols, all sorts of trinkets, jewellery and the like. It's very much a pilgrimage town and so that's what you'll find.

You'll find little Shiva statues, framed religious art, all sorts of colourful accessories and shell stuff. It's a pleasant thing to do to just browse the shops after the temple. Do compare prices and do consider buying the locally made handicrafts rather than the souvenirs which are made from protected marine life.

9. Take A Temple Tour Of Gokarna

If you've got an extra day, Gokarna (about 80 km north of Murudeshwar) is worth a visit. The legend of the Atma-Linga links the two places. In the Hindu tradition, the Atma-Linga was established at Gokarna when Lord Ganesha intervened in Ravana's journey.

The Mahabaleshwar Temple is the principal religious site in the town and is visited by devotees all year round. The Maha Ganapati Temple and a number of other temples in the vicinity are also worth a visit. Gokarna is of course also a coastal destination and has some good beaches to go to as well (Om Beach, Kudle Beach etc) so it's definitely worth including in a coastal Karnataka itinerary.

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What Is The Best Time To Visit Murudeshwar?

October to February is generally the most comfortable time to visit Murudeshwar. It's quite pleasant for temple visits, for sightseeing and for general exploration of the area. It's also a good time of year for those snorkelling at Netrani Island (though, of course, the diving will depend on the state of the sea).

March to May is warmer and more humid, June to September is the monsoon. Beach activities and boat trips can be affected by the heavy rain and rough seas. If it's scuba diving you're after then you'll want to check the operating season and the weather before you book.

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How To Reach Murudeshwar?

Murudeshwar is well served by road and rail. Murudeshwar Railway Station is about 3 kms from the main town and is on the Konkan Railway line. It's also reachable by road from Mangaluru, Bengaluru and various other parts of Karnataka.

Mangaluru International Airport is the nearest major airport (around 155-165 km away). You can get from the airport by taxi or whatever transport is available. Once you're in Murudeshwar, the temple, the statue and the beach are all within easy reach. The other places of interest, like Yana, Mirjan Fort, and Gokarna, will require a longer road journey.

Summing Up

Murudeshwar is a very interesting mix of spirituality, coastal scenery, adventure and history. You can start the day at the Shiva Temple, spend the afternoon on the beach or go on a scuba dive to Netrani Island. There are several other places in the vicinity, such as Yana, Mirjan Fort, and Apsarakonda Falls, that add to the experience.

Whether you're doing a pilgrimage, a weekend break or a longer coastal Karnataka trip, Murudeshwar has a lot on offer. With a bit of planning and the right weather you can really make the most of the temples, beaches and other natural attractions at your own pace.